Stunning Kaleidoscope Bagels & Conversations

The kaleidoscope bagel is a winner at Conversations. They’re so pretty, full of vibrant colors, and beautifully presented. The multicolored cream cheese spread is plant-based, a perfect vegan and vegetarian food item to eat for breakfast/brunch or a day/nighttime snack.

Conversations is a cute, dainty café and store on the corner of Liliha Street in Honolulu, Hawai’i. Every time I go there, there’s a different seasonal decor and merchandise on the shelves. It’s a unique place to have lunch with friends and do your shopping, especially during the holidays. They’ve got lovely gifts.

Conversations
1805 Liliha St.
Honolulu, HI 96817
808.551.6645
Facebook: @Conversations.Hi
Order online: https://www.clover.com/online-ordering/conversations-honolulu/ 

Plant-Based Cream Cheese Study

A study presented by Michel et al. (2022) discusses the effect of the melting point of fat in a plant-based oil-in-water emulsion that becomes a plant-based cream cheese. This method was composed of emulsifying pea protein with oil and thickening pea and potato fibers, with a conversion temperature ranging from 77-113ºF or 25–45°C.

A simplified definition of emulsion is combining two unmixable substances together, such as oil and vinegar (Gisslen, 2018). I’ve made several emulsified sauces and condiments at Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, including one of the (French) Mother Sauces, hollandaise. Emulsification takes time and patience. It cannot be hurried or else the sauce will break and the process needs to begin over again.

I was very intrigued by Michel et al.’s research. I’m curious to experiment and develop my own plant-based cream cheese recipe utilizing the researchers’ methodologies. Thus, look out for a future post with my own version of kaleidoscope bagels.

Honoring LGBTQIA+

Every June, Pride Month is celebrated. The LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual) community is uplifted and honored with various national events: parades, protests, ceremonies, and drag performances (Wurzburger, 2022). 

Pride Flag 411

Did you know that the colors on the pride flag 🏳️‍🌈 have their own meaning (Wurzburger, 2022)? 

• Red symbolizes life.
• Orange signifies healing.
• Yellow represents sunshine.
• Green expresses nature.
• Blue embodies harmony.
• Purple signifies the spirit. 
• *Hot pink denotes sex.
• *Turquoise personifies magic and art.
  *These colors are included in the original pride flag.

There have been many variations to the look and colors of the pride flag. For instance, in 2021, the flag was altered in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. The color black indicates diversification, while brown encapsulates inclusivity. The transgender pride flag 🏳️‍⚧️ includes shades such as pale blue and pastel pink (Wurzburger, 2022).

LGBTQIA+ Resources

To learn more about Pride Month or find ways to get involved in pride events, check out the following resources:

• The Anti-Defamation League is an anti-hate organization accentuating bias, extremism, discrimination, and hate.
• The American Civil Liberties Union maintains and protects the freedom rights of Americans.
• The Equality Federation is an advocacy group defending the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
• GLAAD is a non-government agency that promotes LGBTQIA+ acceptance and prevents discrimination.
• GLSEN is a network of students, families, and educators advocating for LGBTQIA+ safety and support in schools.
• Hawai’i LGBT Legacy Foundation creates educational programs that inform and empower Hawai’i’s LGBTQIA+ community. 
• The National LGBTQ Task Force is a guild dedicated to advancing freedom, justice, and equality for LGBTQIA+ people.

Mental Health & Suicide Crisis & Prevention

Lastly, I want to leave some information on mental health, crisis, and suicide prevention.

For resources on mental health, please check out a previous entry I posted during Mental Health Awareness Month in March.

If you’re in crisis and need to speak with a professional, please consider:

• Calling 911
• Calling the National Suicide Prevention Hotline
• Chatting with someone at the Crisis Textline
• Crisis resources in Hawai’i

Don’t be afraid to ask for help,

FS x

References

Gisele, W. (2018). Professional cooking (9th ed, pg. 1048). Wiley. 

Michel, S.E.S., Scheermeijier, R., Ambühl, M. & Farrés, I.F. (2022). Novel plant-based cream cheese: A tribology perspective. Journal of Food Engineering (335).

Wurzburger, A. (2022). Everything you need to know about Pride Month. Retrieved: https://people.com/human-interest/pride-month-explained-pride-month-facts/